Abstract: Improved medical device have an inorganic substrate and a polymer covering at least a portion of the substrate, in which the polymer forms a structure substantially different from the structure of the substrate. Other medical devices include a flexible composite component with an inorganic substrate and a polymer covering at least over a portion of the substrate. The flexible composite component can be bent, at least, about 100 degrees without extending the material beyond its elastic limit. Corresponding methods include applying a polymer onto an inorganic substrate, such that the polymer does not conform to the shape of the substrate.

Abstract: Medical devices are formed from metal/polymer composites that have improved characteristics. The metal/polymer composites have a relatively thick metal coating with an average metal thickness of greater than about 3 microns. The composite has mechanical properties, such as mechanical strength, durability and resiliency, contributed by the metal coating. The metal/polymer composites can be formed by solution based or vapor based approaches.

Abstract: The present invention includes a prosthetic heart valve having a stent and a piece of biocompatible material. The stent includes an inflow ring and a plurality of posts, each post extending from the ring to a post tip. The piece of material extends over the stent and substantially conforms to a profile of the stent. The piece of material includes a portion which extends adjacent a post tip. A clip is provided which has a shape generally conforming to the post tip to thereby clamp the portion of the piece of material to the post tip.